The Cross River State Government has taken another step towards developing the state's automotive industry after holding high-level talks with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) in Abuja.
The state delegation, led by the Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Cross River State Planning Commission, Dr. Bona Duke, visited the Director-General of NADDC, Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, to discuss areas of collaboration aimed at attracting investment, creating jobs and improving technical skills in the automobile sector.
During the meeting, Dr. Duke said the state government is committed to making Cross River a major destination for automotive development. He explained that the partnership would focus on training young people, building the capacity of automobile technicians, promoting technology transfer and supporting local vehicle manufacturing.
He also requested NADDC's support in securing development funding for automotive projects in the state and proposed the introduction of a pilot electric vehicle (EV) programme using the Council's existing framework.
In his response, NADDC Director-General Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin praised Governor Bassey Otu for establishing the Cross River State Automobile Technicians Regulatory Department (ATRD), describing it as an important step towards improving standards and regulation in the automotive sector.
Osanipin assured the state of the Council's readiness to work closely with Cross River to attract vehicle assembly plants, promote local manufacturing and encourage investment in electric mobility. He noted that factors such as available industrial land, access to seaports, security and government support would play key roles in attracting investors.
Both parties agreed to strengthen their partnership to promote Made-in-Nigeria vehicles, improve technical skills, create employment opportunities and position Cross River as a growing player in Nigeria's automotive industry.
Post A Comment: